Driving Around Town Question

[TheBlackPearl]

I just got my first Corvette last week, which is also my first manual trans car. My question is when you're driving around town what are your shift habits, gears you usually use? How slow can you go in 3rd? Do you ever use 2nd other than tight slow turns?

[Kevin]

i usually shift around 2500 or 3000 rpm...as for the rest I don't really drive my car around town. too afraid of someone hitting me

[WARP TEN]

I also shift around 2500-3000 around town. I generally don't lug it down below about 1800. When I come to a stop I usually put it in neutral unless I am moving right away. If you are sitting in traffic putting it in neutral relieves stress on the throwout bearing as I understand it. When I want to run it I wait until oil temp is at least 150 degrees, usually 160. Your mileage may vary. --Bob

[We Gone]

Same 2500-3000rpms, sometimes up to 4500 just to hear it sing. neutral as soon as I know i'm going to stop.

[efnfast]

The tach really dictates when to shift. 2500-3000 is a nice sweet spot, but don't be afraid of 7 grand.

[tccrab]

i usually shift around 2500 or 3000 rpm...as for the rest I don't really drive my car around town. too afraid of someone hitting me

I absolutely agree.
I HATE driving Girlfriend in town.
Each and every stoplight is an open invitation for some (pick distracted driver of choice) to run into the back of me.
I just know that Allstate would total my car if they found out that just the rear bumper corner trim of my '90 was made of unobtanium. (we won't even talk about the bumper cover or rear quarter panels)......
Open road, no problem.
The "Go Pedal" will save me from nearly all the other idiots on the road, no matter what they might try to do.
My real fear is watching that minivan in the rear view mirror at the stoplight that can't stop in time because she/he's on the phone or distracted by the 399 kids in the back.
Think I'll probably need therapy.......

Oh yes, shifting.....
Usually between 2500 and 7500 depending on the mood.
;-)

'Crabs

[BigJohn]

Just use what ever gear feels comfortable and don't let it lug or buck!!!

:cheers:

[Bob Eyres]

Just use what ever gear feels comfortable and don't let it lug or buck!!!

:cheers:

Exactly. Forget about the tach and just listen to the beast. After a while you will know where it wants to be.
The most common mistake that I see drivers do is lug the motor. It's not good for the engine, and it causes you to be vulnerable, without torque to pull out of a bad situation. Besides this engine just loves to rev, so keep the revs up.
But most of all, keep putting miles on it, and you will "become one with the Beast". :thumbsup:

[8cam]

Coming from euro engines, the idea of a car that can pull away cleanly from a stop in 3rd gear just amazes me. Not that I would make a habit of it, but that great big torque figure is definitely an asset. Sure winding it out is great fun but not practical most of the time. Sometimes after a long tiring day, even in the Ferrari, I just loaf along and short shift enjoying a relaxing drive. As long as you hit the next gear at least 1500rpm, you're fine.

Then again, hitting the next gear at five grand is fun because it means the last one was seven! :D

[Schrade]

As said twice, don't lug the engine. Dual Mass Flywheel does NOT like lugging, and will break.

And welcome onto the boards there.........

[Vetman]

Wonderful sound over 2000 even if you are loafing a long. Stock rear is only 1400 rpm at 60 mph. Not a problem if little torque is being reguired.

[DaveK]

I avoid driving in the city too for the same reasons. Was in a collision last Friday. Idiot in the right-hand lane suddenly decided he needed to turn left down a side-street and ripped the front end of my van off.

Also 2-3k RPM depending.

Dave

[TheBlackPearl]

What's lugging, never heard of that before. Is that the same as bucking? Thanks for the tips guys.

[Vetman]

Engine laboring at relatively low rpm. High torque between 1000 and 2000 rpm.

[Kevin]

What's lugging, never heard of that before. Is that the same as bucking? Thanks for the tips guys.

you can sorta hear the fly wheel rattle if you try driving at too low of an RPM. happens around town from time to time. say you're driving at 40mph in 4th, have to slow down to say 20 and forget to downshift you'll sorta hear a "brrrrzbrbzrbz clack clack clack" sound....been a while since I heard it give me a break here....you'll want to down shift then.

[TheBlackPearl]

Never heard that when driving so i guess im good to go.